Gin is one of my favorite spirits. It’s bright - sometimes floral, sometimes herby, sometimes piney, sometimes dry - and always delicious. The gin and tonic is a classic that’s incredibly easy to make (literally JUST gin, tonic water and wedge of lime). It’s one of those drinks that’s a safe bet if you’re ordering at a bar that’s evidently not in the craft cocktail biz.

When we lived in downtown Portland, we were right next door to a beautiful (and hella expensive) specialty grocery store. Fun fact about me: I LOVE specialty grocery stores and markets. The second I walk in the door, I’m ready to sign over my savings account.

Anywayyyyy, they had the biggest selection of tonic water I had ever seen, and the second my eyes traveled over “Botanical Tonic Water” I was SOLD.

After spending more money than I should’ve, I finally sauntered back home, and threw together this fun twist on a classic.

The Botantist’s Gin and Tonic

Makes 1 drink

Ingredients:

2 ounces gin (preferably a more floral gin, like Hendricks or Townshends)

3/4 ounce lemon juice

½ teaspoon rose water OR orange blossom water

Fentiman’s Botanical Tonic Water (or any regular tonic water available to you)

Ice

Instructions:

In a glass 3/4 full of ice, add gin, lemon juice, rose water, and top with tonic. Give it a quick stir, and start sipping!

Yup, takes all of 5 seconds to make - simple, straight forward, and deliciously drinkable.

Optional garnish: dried rose petals (as pictured) or lemon wedge